I sat in the graveyard for hours. Of course, it's been twenty years since I last saw my love, but that didn't ease my pain. In fact, it worsened it. With each passing day, I missed her more and more. Losing her was more painful than I could ever imagine. It was far worse than losing even my mother.

I wrote about her every day in songs, poems, and stories, but I didn't dare share them with anyone but Nancy. I knew I could trust Nancy, and she was probably the only one I was still alive for.

I drove home in silence. I walked into my house and Nancy gave me a great big hug. I hugged her back and genuinely smiled for the first time that day.

"I made dinner for us!" Nancy told me. "And apple pie!" she was always upbeat and enthusiastic.

"It smells wonderful, Nancy, I can smell it from here!" I said. We talked about the new album I was recording for a while and after dinner, she did the dishes and I went to bed. I sat on the edge of the bed and my thoughts wandered to Linda. I didn't even notice Nancy come into the bedroom.

"Hey," She placed a hand on my knee. She was kneeling right in front of me and I didn't even notice.

"I'm sorry I--" She stopped me.

"I know," She spoke very slowly and lovingly. "I know it hurts, Paul, but your... Your health is at stake," She rubbed my arm. "I love you, Dear, but this isn't good for you. I know you can't just stop thinking about her, and that's not what I'm asking. Just please, tell me. Tell me about her every time you think of her. I don't care if it's noon or three o'clock in the morning. Please, for you... and me."

I felt a lump growing in my throat but I nodded.